Virtual Schooling
by
Niki Davis and Dale S. Niederhauser
Virtual Schooling (VS) is definitely going to be the new way teachers and students communicate their work. Unknown to me there are already programs that have high school students that have some of their classes online. VS, as proven in the article is a great way in which students can be introduced to technology and are accurately encouraged to do so. Video conferencing is an exciting way for the class to get together with their teachers and fellow students so they can still have class. I especially was encouraged by the fact that VS is an alternative to the No Child Left behind Act of 2001. Now parents can have their children attend schools outside their neighborhood but the child will never have to leave. The delicate part of the program is to make sure that all the parties involved stay together. There are administrators, designers, facilitators, IT coordinators, parents, students, and teachers that all have to be on the same page to make sure that this program works. It has succeeded on a small scale but I am skeptical that it will work on a large scale. I would love for this to work, not only for the students, but for the teachers. It would force them to learn new ways to tech their students. Some teachers are stuck in the past and are unwilling to change their ways and incorporate technology into their curriculum.
What are the drawbacks of this program?
One of the drawbacks that I see is the fact that there are already students that do not show up to class. So what makes us think that when they have an opportunity to stay home that they will get online?
How would you add to the program if it was incorporated in your school?
I would have each student take one class overseas so they could experience a new way of teaching and culture.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Journal 8
The 1,000-Mile Microphone Cable
By Glen Bull
Connecting classrooms through a program called Skype with a $20 microphone can connect computers from all over the world. The SkypeOut program will allow a computer to connect to any phone within the United States and Canada for only $30 and the calls are unlimited for an entire year. With Skype a person can set up a conference call with up to 10 people if need be. If a teacher wants, the class can have an over the phone interview with a person on the opposite side of the country using this technology. The MX Skype Recorder can also be used when conducting the interview so the class can record it. This can allow the class to have a reference for future work or future classes can also use this recorded resource tool. Another program in the Skype family is, StoryCorps which encourages people to record interviews of people that lived years ago. There is an example in the article of an interview done with a man born in 1905; he was 101 at the time of the interview. He was able to give a link to the past and his interview was digitally recorded and will be saved forever giving people a look into events past.
How would you use this technology in the classroom?
Well from a history prospective this technology can be highly valuable in the classroom. Being able to interview a Vietnam veteran when the class is studying about the war is an excellent tool.
Do you think that the schools should sponsor this technology?
I think they should. Maybe not for each class, but have a couple in the media center or computer lab for community use.
By Glen Bull
Connecting classrooms through a program called Skype with a $20 microphone can connect computers from all over the world. The SkypeOut program will allow a computer to connect to any phone within the United States and Canada for only $30 and the calls are unlimited for an entire year. With Skype a person can set up a conference call with up to 10 people if need be. If a teacher wants, the class can have an over the phone interview with a person on the opposite side of the country using this technology. The MX Skype Recorder can also be used when conducting the interview so the class can record it. This can allow the class to have a reference for future work or future classes can also use this recorded resource tool. Another program in the Skype family is, StoryCorps which encourages people to record interviews of people that lived years ago. There is an example in the article of an interview done with a man born in 1905; he was 101 at the time of the interview. He was able to give a link to the past and his interview was digitally recorded and will be saved forever giving people a look into events past.
How would you use this technology in the classroom?
Well from a history prospective this technology can be highly valuable in the classroom. Being able to interview a Vietnam veteran when the class is studying about the war is an excellent tool.
Do you think that the schools should sponsor this technology?
I think they should. Maybe not for each class, but have a couple in the media center or computer lab for community use.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Journal 7
Technology Integration: What Happens Now?
By Linda Merillat, Jennifer Holvoet, and Doug Adams
This is a very informing article about the government trying to provide funds to help schools keep up with technology. A program called R*TEC which covers the states of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona provides the resources for the schools in these states. It was said in the article that two-thirds of the United States is connected to technology in some way. Our students need to be introduced to technology to keep up with this country and the world. Technology is an extremely important of the American culture and if teachers do not do their best to provide ways for the future work force of America, the United States will fall behind.
Do you think that the government should supply more to schools when it comes to technology?
I believe they should because I know that I am behind now and with new advances everyday in technology our future will be further behind than I am. I had access to a computer a few times a year and that is the same for some students now. We are so far ahead now than we were ten years ago.
Do you think that America relies too much on technology?
I do not think we do now but it seems that we could be heading in that direction.
By Linda Merillat, Jennifer Holvoet, and Doug Adams
This is a very informing article about the government trying to provide funds to help schools keep up with technology. A program called R*TEC which covers the states of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona provides the resources for the schools in these states. It was said in the article that two-thirds of the United States is connected to technology in some way. Our students need to be introduced to technology to keep up with this country and the world. Technology is an extremely important of the American culture and if teachers do not do their best to provide ways for the future work force of America, the United States will fall behind.
Do you think that the government should supply more to schools when it comes to technology?
I believe they should because I know that I am behind now and with new advances everyday in technology our future will be further behind than I am. I had access to a computer a few times a year and that is the same for some students now. We are so far ahead now than we were ten years ago.
Do you think that America relies too much on technology?
I do not think we do now but it seems that we could be heading in that direction.
Journal 6
Social Justice: Choice or Necessity?
by Colleen Swain and David Edyburn
The main idea of the article is to express the feelings of social justice when dealing with technology. There are not sufficient programs to aid students with their computer skills. It is up to the teachers to find out a way to include technology in their curriculum. It is stated in the article that students can be at a major disadvantage if they are behind in technology which can effect them in future education and in employment. Students can be exceptional in their studies or in the job field; they are pursuing and are passed over due to their lack of technological skills. When students are asked to share the resources in the class, everyone knows that this never comes to pass and it is the same when it comes down to sharing computers. The article pointed out that the males obtain more hands on with the technology provided then the girls. If something is not done to help, our students with technology teachers are setting them up for failure.
How would you help to make technology accessible to all of your students?
I would have assignments due where the students will have to send their work to me on a class blog. Set up some computer lab time for the students incase they do not have access at home.
How do you feel about students missing out jobs because of their lack of technological skill?
If feel horrible because it is our duty as educators to equip our students with the tools to succeed.
by Colleen Swain and David Edyburn
The main idea of the article is to express the feelings of social justice when dealing with technology. There are not sufficient programs to aid students with their computer skills. It is up to the teachers to find out a way to include technology in their curriculum. It is stated in the article that students can be at a major disadvantage if they are behind in technology which can effect them in future education and in employment. Students can be exceptional in their studies or in the job field; they are pursuing and are passed over due to their lack of technological skills. When students are asked to share the resources in the class, everyone knows that this never comes to pass and it is the same when it comes down to sharing computers. The article pointed out that the males obtain more hands on with the technology provided then the girls. If something is not done to help, our students with technology teachers are setting them up for failure.
How would you help to make technology accessible to all of your students?
I would have assignments due where the students will have to send their work to me on a class blog. Set up some computer lab time for the students incase they do not have access at home.
How do you feel about students missing out jobs because of their lack of technological skill?
If feel horrible because it is our duty as educators to equip our students with the tools to succeed.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Journal 4
From Toy to Tool
By Liz Kolb
The article helped the reader realize that instead of fighting students with their use of technology (cell phones), teachers should embrace it and transform it form a toy to a tool like the title says. The idea of using audioblogger is a great one. Kolb does a great job in weighing the pros and cons but the reader can tell that she feels this is an excellent way to incorporate the cell phone in the classroom. Some school systems have tried their best to prohibit cell phones from their schools, but as Kolb points out, cell phones are just apart of the culture and it is a way that students communicate. In stead of always fighting and future and refusing to change, teachers need to learn to roll with the punches and connect with the students.
Would you use audioblogging in your classroom? Why?
I would use audioblogging because as teachers we need to evolve with our students and continue to find new ways to keep education interesting.
How do you feel about cell phones in your class?
I like attention and having people listen to me, so I would not like to have cell phones in my class. However, after reading the article I can see the use of them.
By Liz Kolb
The article helped the reader realize that instead of fighting students with their use of technology (cell phones), teachers should embrace it and transform it form a toy to a tool like the title says. The idea of using audioblogger is a great one. Kolb does a great job in weighing the pros and cons but the reader can tell that she feels this is an excellent way to incorporate the cell phone in the classroom. Some school systems have tried their best to prohibit cell phones from their schools, but as Kolb points out, cell phones are just apart of the culture and it is a way that students communicate. In stead of always fighting and future and refusing to change, teachers need to learn to roll with the punches and connect with the students.
Would you use audioblogging in your classroom? Why?
I would use audioblogging because as teachers we need to evolve with our students and continue to find new ways to keep education interesting.
How do you feel about cell phones in your class?
I like attention and having people listen to me, so I would not like to have cell phones in my class. However, after reading the article I can see the use of them.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Journal 3
Video in the Age of Participation
By Glen Bull
The article was extremely interesting to me because it dealt with video, which I enjoy watching and making. Video in the classroom is becoming revolutionized. “Increased bandwidth and improved compression standards have made it possible to stream video-on-demand over the Internet”. Teachers need to find ways to utilize this technology. It is a strong benefit to the students in the classroom. To have the ability to watch animals cross the world in Africa from the seat in the classroom is an amazing prospect. “The Discovery Education site provides a preview of some of the features we can expect to find in schools of the future”. The web is allowing videos to spread across the world through things like blogs and wikis.
This article opened my eyes to the possibilities of video in the classroom. It is no longer just putting an old video in the VCR, it is an opportunity for students and teachers to interact and see live video of information from across the country and the world. The days of the text book is slowly fading out of the teaching in the class. Can you imagine learning about elephants and then seeing them live and according to the article, “It looks like you are there because of the clear picture?” This is an advantage that schools and teachers need to embrace.
What are the advantages of this video program?
It allows the students to view live video, which makes learning more fun and interactive.
Why are textbooks becoming obsolete?
Textbooks are becoming obsolete because things that could only be seen in a book can now be seen through the web.
By Glen Bull
The article was extremely interesting to me because it dealt with video, which I enjoy watching and making. Video in the classroom is becoming revolutionized. “Increased bandwidth and improved compression standards have made it possible to stream video-on-demand over the Internet”. Teachers need to find ways to utilize this technology. It is a strong benefit to the students in the classroom. To have the ability to watch animals cross the world in Africa from the seat in the classroom is an amazing prospect. “The Discovery Education site provides a preview of some of the features we can expect to find in schools of the future”. The web is allowing videos to spread across the world through things like blogs and wikis.
This article opened my eyes to the possibilities of video in the classroom. It is no longer just putting an old video in the VCR, it is an opportunity for students and teachers to interact and see live video of information from across the country and the world. The days of the text book is slowly fading out of the teaching in the class. Can you imagine learning about elephants and then seeing them live and according to the article, “It looks like you are there because of the clear picture?” This is an advantage that schools and teachers need to embrace.
What are the advantages of this video program?
It allows the students to view live video, which makes learning more fun and interactive.
Why are textbooks becoming obsolete?
Textbooks are becoming obsolete because things that could only be seen in a book can now be seen through the web.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Journal 2
Breathing Fire into Web 2.0
by David Carpenter and Justin Hardman
The Hong Kong International School has an Internet presence called myDragonnet. Hardman helped create this program with students, teachers, and administrators by researching their needs and ideas. "The design of Web 2.0 reflects the belief that schools should seek to work within and exploit this power of interacting online". The new system also provides a calendar, access to documents and multimedia resources. It also provides a Classroom Management system. Teachers are able to be a click away from reaching the parent of a student, administrator, or a student’s services point person. The article was very enlightening. It sounds like the program is very successful at the school where it started. I see myself taking advantage of this program to make life easier for the students, the student’s parents, and me. I do agree that schools are living in the past. The way students communicate in this day in age schools have to change and upgrade to keep up and make learning easier and communication faster between all three parties. I enjoy the fact that I can be apart of a virtual community with my students and their parents and be part of the community that I live in. If the program is going to continue to be successful then it needs to evolve with the technology.
Do you feel that this program is valuable? Explain.
Yes I do feel this program is valuable because it is a way to communicate with the parents directly so we can work together to help the student.
Why is it important that teaching evolves with the technology?
It is important because, our students are exposed to new technology and they are learning on their own. We as teachers need to learn so to keep up with our student's learning curves.
by David Carpenter and Justin Hardman
The Hong Kong International School has an Internet presence called myDragonnet. Hardman helped create this program with students, teachers, and administrators by researching their needs and ideas. "The design of Web 2.0 reflects the belief that schools should seek to work within and exploit this power of interacting online". The new system also provides a calendar, access to documents and multimedia resources. It also provides a Classroom Management system. Teachers are able to be a click away from reaching the parent of a student, administrator, or a student’s services point person. The article was very enlightening. It sounds like the program is very successful at the school where it started. I see myself taking advantage of this program to make life easier for the students, the student’s parents, and me. I do agree that schools are living in the past. The way students communicate in this day in age schools have to change and upgrade to keep up and make learning easier and communication faster between all three parties. I enjoy the fact that I can be apart of a virtual community with my students and their parents and be part of the community that I live in. If the program is going to continue to be successful then it needs to evolve with the technology.
Do you feel that this program is valuable? Explain.
Yes I do feel this program is valuable because it is a way to communicate with the parents directly so we can work together to help the student.
Why is it important that teaching evolves with the technology?
It is important because, our students are exposed to new technology and they are learning on their own. We as teachers need to learn so to keep up with our student's learning curves.
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